Sometimes getting started can be the most challenging aspect of an endeavor. These next sections will give you basic information about some of the crucial early stages of our program so you can begin each school year with knowledge and confidence. After all, knowledge is power!

After enrollment, you’ll receive the following emails from our Customer Service Department:

• Assigned online assessments
• Learning Styles Profile
• All online courses (if chosen)
• The online Gradebook
• Teachers

• The Honor Code Policy
• The Learning Styles Profile (LSP)
• Online Assessments
• Learning to Navigate Aurora Learning
• Registering for a Student ID card
• A Technology Check

The Learning Styles Profile
All students entering Laurel Springs receive the Learning Styles Profile®, an effective way for parents and teachers to understand how their child best assimilates knowledge and develops skills. The Learning Styles Profile® is at the heart of personalized education, as it raises awareness about the unique strengths and talents of each child and equips parents and teachers to foster these talents. Many families find that education becomes a natural experience when the child's learning style is acknowledged and lessons are adjusted to fit the child's aptitudes.

You’ll receive your user name and password via email with instructions on how to log on to the online Learning Styles Profile. When you have done this, you will simply answer each question until you come to the end of the assessment. Then, you’ll receive, online, an in-depth report on results with recommendations on how to accommodate learning by reinforcing your child’s areas of strengths and interests. Laurel Springs employs a learning style specialist who offers further analysis and academic consultation for an additional fee. Ask your Enrollment Advisor about purchasing and scheduling this Learning Styles Profile Interpretation with our Learning Success Coach.

Diagnostic Assessment – Included with Your Child's Enrollment
Standards-based diagnostic assessments in Mathematics and Language Arts are given at the time of enrollment. All students are required to take initial skills surveys the first time they enroll. Diagnostic assessments are designed to provide parents, students, and teachers with specific information about what skills the student has and has not mastered. The score sheets empower parents and teachers to pinpoint, assign, and review those areas the student must master before moving on to more complex materials. Laurel Springs School has now adopted the Acuity program from CTBS. This is a robust assessment system providing online learning resources in addition to diagnostic tests. Also, parents, teachers, and students will be able to track their progress in specific skill groups within the Language arts and Mathematics disciplines.

Optional Placement Assessments
Laurel Springs offers standards-based diagnostic Placement Assessments in Math and Language Arts in our new Acuity testing system. This assessment helps to identify the student’s academic level and appropriate placement within Laurel Springs’ curriculum. The placement fee includes a written analysis of both language arts and math skills and a Learning Styles Profile.

Getting Acquainted with Aurora

Aurora is our Learning Management System (LMS). It’s the place where your child’s online courses reside. It is also where you will access the results of the Learning Styles Profile and other assessments, and the Gradebook, which contains your child’s grades, teacher comments, and evaluations. By logging into Aurora, you can monitor your child’s progress. This is true for all students, whether they are enrolled in online courses, text courses, or a combination of both.

Accessing Aurora is easy…
You and your child will receive an email containing your Aurora username and password from our school administrator.

Once you have your login information, go to http://www.auroralearning.com. You can also enter your username and password directly on the home page of the Family Center under Enrolled Student Login.

Enter your username and password exactly as they were given to you, and click on the Login button. You will now see the Home Room for your Student Center. You will see your school’s name, your name, and a list of all your child’s courses. You will also see your new messages.

At this point, take a minute to familiarize yourself with this page. We strongly recommend that both you and your child click on the Survival Guide and go through the tutorial. Clicking on the Help link is also extremely helpful. It will take you to a page containing information on every aspect of using Aurora.

Also, our Technical Support staff and your teacher are always available to help you.

Establishing a Relationship with Your Teacher

Soon after your enrollment, you’ll receive a letter of welcome and introduction from your child’s teacher(s). Your teacher will be a very important part of your child’s learning experience. It’s crucial to establish and maintain regular communication with your teacher. This will ensure that your child’s progress is consistent and that any questions or problems can be addressed in a timely manner. In your early communications with your teacher, you’ll be establishing the best modes of contacting each other, your child’s work schedule, and how to submit work. As the year progresses, your communications will center on your child’s progress and will help both you and your child stay on track. It’s a great idea to encourage your child to communicate frequently with his or her teachers and never hesitate to ask questions.

Be sure to discuss your learning style and that of your child with your teacher(s).

If you need help contacting your teacher, the Teacher Services/Support Coordinator or the Parent Support Coordinator can help you.

Explore the Family Center Website

Our Family Center website was created as a resource for our families. You’ll find comprehensive information to guide you through all aspects of being a Laurel Springs family. We recommend you explore it thoroughly and visit often, as it is frequently updated. It’s your place for up-to-date information, resources, and guidance.